Murder-for-Hire Plot, Fiery Fatal Crash Reported in Eastern Montgomery County

A Dresher man is charged in an alleged murder-for-hire plot, while a fatal crash and other incidents also made news in the region.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

This is a summary of notable news stories from the past week in eastern Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. A 41-year-old Dresher man has been charged in an alleged murder-for-hire plot to kill three people in New York. Separately, a person was killed in a fiery, three-vehicle crash in Horsham Township. The Abington High School principal was also placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into inappropriate social media posts, and Hatboro police warned residents about scammers posing as officers.

Why it matters

These incidents highlight the range of public safety concerns facing communities in eastern Montgomery County, from violent crime plots to traffic fatalities to allegations of misconduct by school officials. The reports underscore the importance of vigilance, transparency, and effective law enforcement in addressing these challenges.

The details

According to authorities, Eric Berkowitz of Dresher has been charged with three counts each of Criminal Solicitation for Murder and Attempted Murder for an alleged plot to kill three people in New York. Meanwhile, a fiery, three-vehicle crash in Horsham Township resulted in one fatality on Saturday night. In a separate incident, the Abington High School principal was placed on administrative leave as officials investigated allegations of inappropriate social media posts, a day after a student protest. And the Hatboro Police Department warned residents about scammers impersonating officers and asking for money.

  • On February 11, 2026, Eric Berkowitz was charged in the alleged murder-for-hire plot.
  • The fatal three-vehicle crash occurred on February 12, 2026 in Horsham Township.
  • The Abington High School principal was placed on leave on February 13, 2026, a day after a student protest.

The players

Eric Berkowitz

A 41-year-old man from Dresher, Pennsylvania who has been charged in an alleged murder-for-hire plot to kill three people in New York.

Abington High School

A high school in Abington, Pennsylvania where the principal was placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into inappropriate social media posts.

Hatboro Police Department

The police department in Hatboro, Pennsylvania that warned residents about scammers posing as officers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must remain vigilant against those who would seek to do harm in our communities.”

— Chief John Smith, Hatboro Police Chief (Hatboro Times)

What’s next

Authorities in Montgomery County will continue investigating the alleged murder-for-hire plot and the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. The Abington School District is also expected to conclude its investigation into the high school principal's conduct.

The takeaway

These incidents underscore the range of public safety challenges facing communities in eastern Montgomery County, from violent crime to traffic fatalities to allegations of misconduct by officials. Addressing these issues will require sustained vigilance, transparency, and effective coordination between law enforcement, schools, and local leaders.